My last move - where to move to, please?

Errata

Plan for the worst and hope for the best applied to everything in life usually sets peoples minds at rest - eg house and contents insurance !
I downsized to a bungalow 8 years ago, when I was still completely fit and able to manage a house and large garden. I still am, but I don't have any 'what if' worries and that's a pretty healthy state of mind.
No wardens around here (do they still exist), but plenty of neighbours who would notice if something was going wrong with me and take some action.
I think what counts is the manageability of accommodation and lifestyle and a bit of community spirit. Myself and my closest neighbours had a chat at the end of last week about what we could do for each other if any of us caught swine flu. The discussion only replicated the actions we already take when one of us goes into hospital for a few days, or the car is in for repair or has a frozen shoulder (not the car !)

azureblue_2

Hallo everyone, hope you don't mind me popping in, I'll put the kettle on shall I?

We (OH and I) have a 3 storey house which, though fab for the 5 grandkids to ramble round, is going to be hard to continue in beyond 5-10 years. Reading this thread has been really useful to me. I'm wondering whether to go for a bungalow or something more sheltered, I suppose we'll stay around here as most of the family are within a mile or so, though I've always hankered after Bath area (too expensive now and OH says it looks too old for him!) and climate change indicates NOT moving to the coast . . .

Jennifer_Jane

Well, I'm still perplexed about what to do. It will take quite a bit of thought. In the meantime, I have looked at Rightmove and the individual town websites (to access free swimming, whether there is a library, and believe it or not, whether there is a Boots - its not that I'm so worried about Boots per se, but it just gives an indication of the shops around (and yes, I know that it could change any moment). The other thing I looked at was U3A to see what activities were going on locally. I've so far compared Weston/Cheddar/Clevedon. Weston seems to have a terrific group.

All these place are looking quite expensive, so am getting quite concerned. I'm also going to consider Bristol, Savvy Sue (we are a Bristol family - although have lived many other places, but still have a fondness for it). I will PM you Savvy Sue, once I've had a bit more in-depth look (may not be immediate).

Need also to look closer at Wells, and will give North Devon a look as well. There's just so much to look at - I feel the need for a spreadsheet coming on....

I also agree, azureblue, about Bath - it would be lovely but expensive. It's going to be really hard moving even downsizing to 2-bed terrace from 3-bed semi! What do you mean about the climate change and not moving to the coast? Are you thinking of howling gales and bits of the coast falling off?

Jen
x

EdInvestor

It's not so much seaside towns as those on river plains that seem to be suffering from flooding related to climate change.Usually towns actually beside the sea are well sorted on water issues as it's always been so obvious.;)

msmo_2

enny have you given any thought to Housing association housing, a bungalow with a call button for emergencies. I am also thinking on your lines, but Im not ready for 'sheltered housing' with the community room ect, I would hate that! I found out from our local council that you can, since April apply to ANY area of the UK for council housing, and believe me there are now some really lovely 'Old peoples Bungalows and apartments available, I was really pleasantly surprised, I applied to a couple of councils in nice areas was was accepted onto their register without any hassle at all. Also NOW they put up vacant propertys on the Internet and you tick anything your Interested In, So Im waiting to see just the right one for me now If your lucky they ring you up and arrange a viewing for you. I have friends who have done this recently and acquired property that I could not afford to buy myself. You of course would pay the full rent ( forgoing benifits ) as you would have the cash from your home that you sell, worth thinking about I feel..Good luck whereever you end up, Oh, dont bank TO much to being close to family. I did that too, but turned out that the grass wasnt so green and I reget doing it. take care

msmo

carefullycautious

I have just posted a long post and it has disapeared so will try again

We are also in a dilemma in that hubby is 60 in two years time but I am nine years younger. We would love to move into a bungalow but with the house prices so high that is looking less and less likely. We are in a LA GF flat and whilst it does suit our needs more and more young families are being moved in due to the housing shortage and we would prefer a quieter existence as we get older.

If we were looking to move to another area we would go for an extended holiday and talk to everyone. Shop keepers, police, local vicars and people in your age group about what they perceive the area is like. Also as others have said look at what is going on as regards your interests etc. All areas change over time with new people coming in so I dont think anyone is immune to suddenly finding themselves living by people they may not like. The only thing about retirement complexes is that you know that only a certain age group is going to live there, however, their charges are very high.

Good luck with your decisions I know how hard it is as we are trying to plan ahead but our age difference is causing problems in where we can go.

azureblue_2

'Morning peeps. Chilly weather innit, must be a bank holiday Monday!

I only meant about the coast the erosion aspect, so much on tv about it recently. I lived at Ramsgate in the 70's and did love being literally down the road from the sea. The off-sea strong winds and thick sea fog wasn't so fun, and the lack of hills and trees in the area and the general seediness puts it off my list. Used to be cheap for property though.

Have a happy day.

Savvy_Sue

azureblue wrote: »

I'm wondering whether to go for a bungalow or something more sheltered,

The only thing to remember with 'sheltered' and 'retirement' is that they tend to be small. If you want to continue hosting family get-togethers, then doing your own thing is likely to work better.

msmo I had also wondered if Jennifer_Jane had considered renting via a Housing Association. Even without being in a warden scheme (and yes they are still out there, although usually less visible than they used to be!) that might meet your needs perfectly.

Didn't know that one could now apply anywhere in the country, although I did know about this 'bidding on t'internet' for properties.

And J_J, by all means PM me ...

lessonlearned

Been reading this post with great interest, because it affects me directly too.

Tried to downsize about eighteen months ago because we could see that my husband's illness was getting worse and that sooner or later he would have mobility problems. Couldn't sell so we are still here and sure enough, after a serious relapse my husband now has problems getting around. Bought a stair lift, had a bathlift installed and a host of equipment, walking frames, wheelchairs etc. Some of the equipment is on long term NHS loan, some we've paid for. Even if we had paid for everything ourselves it would have been a lot cheaper than moving.

Our youngest son has moved back because he was made redudant recently and there is a strong possibility that the eldest may have to do the same. We also have a lodger (she came for a couple of weeks as an emergency measure and is still here six months later). I can see us turning into one of those multi-generational households because there may well be a time when one of the grandparents may join us.

The point is there is room for everyone (a bit 'cosy' sometimes) and we all help each other. We are near to all amentities such as shops, docs, hospitals, leisure facilities, good transport links. We've lived here for 20 years and have lovely helpful neighbours.

Whilst we were disappointed at the time that we couldn't sell up and downsize it turns out to have been one of those blessings in disguise things. This way we can all help each other in our time of need.

I might add that I work as a manager in sheltered housing. Our complex is lovely. We have residents from about aged 56 onwards, our eldest being 97. We have single people and couples. Again it is close to amenities etc. Our residents are completely independent and self contained. Some like to mix, some like to keep to themselves. There is no pressure to join up for activities if they don't want to and yet there's always help on hand if needed, both from managers and other residents.

I think the key ingredients to retirement living are good amenities, good neighbours and a home which can adapt to your fututre needs.

My tip is if you can't afford a bungalow try to 'future proof' your new home - a nice straight staircase to fit a stairlift, a bathroom large enough to cope with extra equipment such as raised toilet stands, a wheelchair or walking frame etc. Also check that that any corridors are wide and straight enough to take a wheelchair, and that front and rear access are reasonable with not too many steps or steep slopes.

Hope this helps.

Jennifer_Jane

msmo wrote: »

enny have you given any thought to Housing association housing, a bungalow with a call button for emergencies. I am also thinking on your lines, but Im not ready for 'sheltered housing' with the community room ect, I would hate that! I found out from our local council that you can, since April apply to ANY area of the UK for council housing, and believe me there are now some really lovely 'Old peoples Bungalows and apartments available, I was really pleasantly surprised, I applied to a couple of councils in nice areas was was accepted onto their register without any hassle at all. Also NOW they put up vacant propertys on the Internet and you tick anything your Interested In, So Im waiting to see just the right one for me now If your lucky they ring you up and arrange a viewing for you. I have friends who have done this recently and acquired property that I could not afford to buy myself. You of course would pay the full rent ( forgoing benifits ) as you would have the cash from your home that you sell, worth thinking about I feel..Good luck whereever you end up, Oh, dont bank TO much to being close to family. I did that too, but turned out that the grass wasnt so green and I reget doing it. take care

msmo

Thanks for this. I have to look into this, but am pleased that you can apply anywhere (was worried about this).

Re the family, no, we are not close, haven't seen either brother or half-sister for a couple of years. But we have the blood tie, and want to be where they could have a bit of responsibility for me if I were found wandering around or something. They are older than me actually, but who else could be responsible. So, that's the reason for being closer - pragmatic rather than emotional.

Could I ask where you were looking, please? Just to get some ideas (not to follow you!).

I like the idea of the independent bungalow especially with a few other older people next door.

Re the soil erosion - wouldn't affect Weston - first of all the sea is usually in Wales and secondly, it's very well fortified! I do remember huge gales in winter in my childhood with the sea waves coming right over the tall sea walls, which I loved!

Thanks for the lovely chat, everyone.

To summarise: not really settled on the areas to look at yet, but thinking it may depend on what's available via Housing Association, and has walking access to Library/Swimming Pool with free swimming, and U3A. Was in Bakewell yesterday and saw a signpost that said To Swimming/Age Concern/Library. Sounded perfect! (Can't afford, and don't want to be in Bakewell, though, gorgeous though it is!)

Jen
x